The Mid-West Bar Forum (MWBF), representing lawyers from Edo and Delta States, has called on the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency over the deplorable condition of federal roads in the region.
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The call was made at the Forum’s quarterly meeting held on July 5, 2025, at the NBA Benin branch Bar House, attended by Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Life Benchers, and officials from all 14 branches comprising the Forum.
In a statement signed by Kunle Edun, SAN, Chairman, and Kelly O. Ogbe, Esq., Secretary, the MWBF expressed grave concern over the dilapidated state of key highways, including the Benin-Warri, Benin-Auchi, and Benin-Asaba roads. The Forum described these roads as “death traps,” highlighting how their condition hinders lawyers from attending court proceedings and forces them to delegate cases to colleagues in affected cities.
The MWBF appealed to the Minister of Works to provide immediate palliative measures during the rainy season, pending full rehabilitation of these critical roads.
On security issues, the Forum condemned all criminal acts such as cultism and kidnapping and urged law enforcement to prosecute offenders. However, it warned the Edo State Government against violating constitutional rights by indiscriminately demolishing properties alleged to be linked to such crimes, stressing the right to fair hearing and due process under the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025. The Forum announced plans to establish a Litigation Committee to challenge any unconstitutional actions under the guise of this law.
The MWBF also commended the NBA Warri branch for securing a court judgment banning illegal revenue collectors from public roads in Delta State. It called on police and security agencies to enforce the ruling and clamp down on criminals impersonating revenue agents.
Additionally, the Forum condemned reports that police commands in Edo and Delta States now demand payments before accepting petitions from lawyers, labeling this practice illegal and urging police authorities to end it immediately.
Finally, the MWBF announced the formation of a social committee led by David Maduku to organize events for Forum members during the NBA Annual General Conference in Enugu later in 2025.
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